The Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) is commissioning an expedition comprised of scientists and local partners to journey to the far corners of the Earth and locate hidden or lost species in the wild.

"Expeditions for lost species are going to take scientists across the planet from the dark depths of the ocean to the bottom of rushing freshwater rivers, from the lush jungles of the tropics, to the seemingly barren wastelands of the desert," Don Church, GWC president and director of conservation, said in a statement posted on Seeker.com.

The "25 Most Wanted" species curated by Global Wildlife Conservation |
Alexis Rockman

The organization has identified 25 species to focus on first - dubbing them the "25 Most Wanted" - out of potentially hundreds of missing species, many of whom have not been seen in the wild for some time.

Six of the "25 Most Wanted" animals identified by GWC |
Alexis Rockman

To help put a face on these elusive creatures, the GWC enlisted artist Alexis Rockman, of the Turtle Conservancy, to illustrate what the animals may look like now.

Among the unaccounted-for animals are the critically endangered Namdapha flying squirrel, not seen since 1981; the De Winton's golden mole, who is possibly extinct; and the endangered Omiltemi cottontail rabbit, who has been lost for 100 years.

"The hope that we can preserve as much of Earth's beauty and wonder as possible will drive the adventurers to overcome the elements, logistical mishaps and the race against time," continued Church in a statement.